A/N: Here's the first ending for the story. The second will be posted on Sunday.

Ending #1- The Happy Ending

It all happened so quickly.

They had been all standing there as Meg practically confessed to murdering her best friend when she aimed the handgun at Erik. The woman was distraught with anger and jealousy, the glint in her eyes unmistakable on whose blood she wanted to be spilled. She wanted to pin the blame on someone and he was the perfect scapegoat for that particular role.

Yet, at that last split second, she wavered and the gun swiftly turned towards Raoul.

Erik didn't think. Didn't hesitate.

He saw Christine and her fear and he knew what he had to do.

As soon as the trigger was pulled, Erik leaped in front of the path of the bullet.

Funny…

It didn't hurt as bad as he thought it would. Maybe it was because he was looking at Christine, imagining how right this moment was. How, in the most strangest and ironic of things, they were equals in sharing the same fate. He welcomed the bullet as it knocked him on the ground. He couldn't remember the fall but he did remember hearing the screams.

Yes…

Christine was screaming his name, maybe even Nadir too. That would be like the man. Such a worrywart. Couldn't Nadir understand that he couldn't go through life worrying about every single damn thing he does?

Erik rolled his eyes but it was too much for him to keep them open. His eyelids fluttered and while it was chaos around him… Christine's angelic face materialized in front of him.

"Erik?! C'mon. Look at me. Don't you dare close them. You hear me? Don't close them. Fight it. You have to fight it. Don't give in," she demanded, anger and worry raging within her.

"Christine…" He winced. Saying her name did take some effort and it was then he started feeling the licks of pain in his chest and sides. However, he couldn't help but smile. "It's okay Christine. I'm fine."

"You idiot! You shouldn't have—" she choked, unable to finish her sentence.

He couldn't remember much as he faded in and out, but in the distance he heard the shrill sirens and soon… Erik was being lifted and carried away.

xxXXxx

It had all been in slow motion.

Nadir couldn't believe what he saw. First, Meg had her gun trained on his friend and the next she was firing on Raoul de Chagny, the man she had murdered his fiancée for and who would have done the same to his current girlfriend if they hadn't gotten to her in time.

But Erik jumped. For whatever reason… He jumped in front of Raoul and took the bullet instead.

Nadir might have screamed. He couldn't remember. But it was the weirdest thing… He heard another scream Erik's name too. This one was much louder and definitely feminine.

Yet, there was little time to think. Meg was currently astonished at what happened, perhaps she returned to some lucidity at Erik's actions, but Nadir wasn't taking the chance. He reached and grabbed the gun from her, which she provided no fight for it at all. It slipped from her grasp easily and he was able to click the safety back on before stuffing it in his back pocket. Then, he pulled out his cell and called 9-1-1.

Upon receiving the promise the police and ambulance will arrive shortly, Nadir hung up and went to check on Erik. Thankfully, Raoul had snapped out of his stupor and was applying pressure to Erik's wound.

"Listen to me you son of a bitch… You hang in there, okay?" Raoul said, pressing down on his chest. Looking up at the other man sharply, Raoul added, "Can you check on Lily? Make sure she's okay."

Even though the places should have been reversed, there was nothing either man could do so Nadir got up and went over to the shaken woman. She couldn't stop staring at Raoul and Erik, her eyes wide and dazed. Not that he could blame her. Lily did have a close brush with Death in the form of someone she thought she could count on as a friend.

But so did Christine.

He removed his jacket and draped it over Lily's bare shoulders. The single touch of fabric woke her up and she gratefully accepted the shield from the chill. Words weren't needed as she nodded for him to go back to his friend.

First… There was a matter about what to do with Meg until the police came.

Fortunately, the blonde was so overcome with… Guilt? Remorse? Sanity? She folded over sobbing that Nadir doubted she would run away. Even if she tried to flee, Nadir had her weapon. It was fortuitous he knew how to shoot, thanks to his father. Yes, Nadir was a trained marksman who knew how to shoot to injure. Or to kill. But that was a last resort.

Moving back to Raoul and Erik, Nadir watched as Erik's hand reached upwards, his fingers curling. Raoul had a queer expression like he wasn't sure how to react. The moment Nadir came closer, Raoul looked up and murmured, "He's losing a lot of blood. And he was saying Christine's name…"

The poor young man was at a loss and Nadir wasn't sure if he could take any more surprises after learning who killed his fiancée. But he continued saying in his baffled tone, "He couldn't be talking to Christine. It was all that talk before about her. Right?"

Then, on cue, Erik moaned, "I'm fine Christine. Really. Tell her Nadir."

Looking down at the masked man's curled hand, Nadir knew it was being held by Christine. True as ever… she remained at his side. In fact, they owed a lot to her. She was the one who knew Lily was in danger and led them to where they could find her. She was the one to stop this madness. So it didn't feel odd or weird when he looked up (in what he hoped) was in her direction.

"Everything will be fine Christine. Help is on the way."

Raoul frowned but Nadir leaned over. "I'll explain later. Just know we have a guardian angel present."

Whatever the younger man was going to say was cut off when the police and EMTs arrived. At once, a stretcher was brought over for Erik. While he was being attended to, Nadir also pointed to Lily for medical help and the police to Meg.

Time began to speed up as Erik was being taken to the ambulance, and Meg was placed under arrest.

He could hear the officer's rumbling voice as he read her rights. He handed the gun to the officer's partner so it could be taken away. He saw Raoul run over to Lily, taking her in his arms to hug her before an EMT worker guided her to the second truck.

They would be okay. He knew it. But he had his own ride to catch.

Nadir followed Erik and climbed in the back.

All the while, Erik never let his hand drop, still holding onto Christine's desperate grasp.

xxXXxx

Bright, white lights exploded in front of him.

Erik's eyes blinked rapidly as the lights above blurred altogether, his head dizzy from the fast movements as he soared down the hall.

"Gunshot victim. Male—thirty-eight years old. Shot in the chest by 9mm in police custody. Severe blood loss, needs to be prepped for surgery ASAP."

Everything was all so familiar. The lights, the urgent buzzing voices… If only he could laugh at the situation. The last time he was here he had tried to kill himself, and this time… someone else tried to kill him. This had to be a punchline to a joke somewhere or the very least a part of the setup.

Either way, Erik couldn't hold back the smirk.

After being pushed through a set of doors, the stretcher he was lying on soon took a sharp turn then halted so the nurses could prep him.

"What's with the mask?" one asked in confusion.

"Doesn't matter," another snapped. "Mask needs to be removed with caution. Patient has deformity of a sensitive nature."

He could feel the mask being peeled away from his face, but Erik didn't care. It wasn't important any more.

As the gas mask was placed over his mouth and nose, Erik did manage to get a glimpse of Nadir behind the glass pane and Christine next to him. He lifted his left hand and gave them a small wave. It felt like the most natural thing to do even as his body grew lighter as the anesthesia started to kick in.

Not to worry, he wanted to tell them. He will see them soon enough.

As his eyes drifted close, Erik couldn't stop thinking how everything was coming full circle now.

xXx

"Mommy… Do I have to go to the hosbital?" questioned the four-year-old with despair. "I hate it there."

"I know you do Erik, but this is for the best. Daddy and I will be here right when you wake up."

He made a face. He hated this place. It was too shiny and white. And his face will always hurt more afterwards. Yet, Mommy and Daddy kept insisting that this time he will have a new face. A face that will have no more ouchies and no more masks. Of course, no more masks would be the greatest thing in the world! And he did write a letter to Santa telling him he wanted to stop wearing masks.

So, maybe this time it will be different.

Maybe this time his Christmas wish, his birthday wish, and all the general wish makings would come true and he would have to no longer wear that stuffy mask. He could be like every normal boy and his face won't hurt no more.

Yes… Today was going to be different. He could feel it.

xXx

"Mom, this isn't going to be different any more than the last hundred or so visits," he complained to her over the phone. "I told you guys. I'm done with doctors. I'm all doctored out. Why won't you take the hint?"

"Erik… Your father and I want what's best for you. And we spoke to Dr. Kay and he saw the pictures and he is absolutely positive he can repair the damage that has been done. Honey? Talk to him please."

Erik could hear the phone being passed over to his father and he waited impatiently for his Dad to try and "convince" him.

"Look, I know we had some bad luck before. But your mother and I believe this doctor can do much better than the last ones. He was pretty upbeat about it too."

"Yeah and what about those last—say, dozen or so doctors—who were also upbeat? They either ended up saying no once they saw me or that one who was certain to have positive results after all? What happened then Dad?"

The older Trussler sighed. "I understand you're frustrated and upset. We are too. But this could be your opportunity, son. This could be the chance for you to stop wearing those masks."

The impetuous twenty-five year old composer pinched the exposed flesh above his nose. "Dad… you're just not getting it. Neither is Mom. I'm done being used as a science experiment. No doctor can fix me. I have come to terms with that. I wish you would fucking see that!"

"There's no need for that language," his father scolded.

In the background, he could his mother shouting, "Don't curse at your father!"

"It's all right Ginny. He has a right to be concerned but not disrespectful."

"Sorry Dad," Erik said, exhaling. "I get it. I do. I know why you want me to do this, but I can't. I can't go through that pain again only to find out it was a failure in the end."

"If that's your decision—" Anything else his father was going to say was cut off as he heard the phone being hastily snatched away and his parents were softly bickering. Then his mother came back on.

"Erik, sweetie," she said, her voice breathless and anxious. "Don't say no. Not right away. At least hear what Dr. Kay has to offer, that's all. Then if you truly don't want to follow through with the surgery… fine. It's done. We won't ever bring it up again."

"That's not it Mom." Erik sadly shook his head and looked out the window of his apartment. It was a spectacular view of New York City, especially the Twin Towers. "I'm done looking for a miracle. I don't care if this Dr. Kay thinks he has the answer to the fountain of youth. I don't want to have any more surgeries. Can you at least respect that?"

"Of course we do," she said softly. "We want you to be happy Erik."

"I know Mom. I am."

"That's not what I mean," she replied wistfully.

"Look," he went on. "I have a show to put on soon. I'll talk to you and Dad later, okay?" He hung up before he ever had the chance to hear her say they were going to fly out there to see him.

It had been Monday, September 10th, 2001.

xXx

It had been the one year anniversary since Ginnifer and Andrew Trussler died on that ill-fated flight and Erik was plastered.

He let out a highly intoxicated giggle, pleased with himself that he managed to get away from Nadir. As much as he liked his business partner, the man was fucking annoying when it came to emotional matters.

Like this for example.

Nadir knew what the date was… what it meant and the damn fool had to glue himself to Erik's hip to make sure he didn't "lose" control.

Okay… so he did start drinking a bit early. Is that a crime now? He was an adult for fuck's sake and he could afford any bar out there in this city. No one would refuse him entry or their top selling alcohol. And if Erik wanted to drink himself into a total drunken stupor… then that was his prerogative. He didn't have to ask permission from his nanny.

Heh, Nanny Nadir. Nadir Nanny.

That was hilarious.

He took the last swig of his Jack Daniels and moaned remorsefully when it was empty. Tossing the bottle over his shoulder, Erik ignored the shattering of the glass container as it hit the cement rooftop.

So far… Nadir hadn't thought about looking for him up here. On the rooftop of his apartment building, gazing out into the sheer nothingness that was left behind after the Towers collapsed. Yeah there were other buildings still standing and cheers to them… but that one meant something. The one that his parents saw last until the plane…

Squeezing his eyes shut, Erik tasted the bitter salt of tears running down. To make matters worse, his masked side was catching the tears and was burning his eye.

He tore the offending article off and dropped it somewhere behind him.

Much better.

The sun was setting but he didn't care about the view it presented. He didn't care about the early fall breeze passing by.

He just didn't fucking care.

Why was it that this happened? Why his parents? Was this some kind of punishment?

They had their moments, like any parent would, and despite the numerous trips to the doctor and hospitals… They did mean well. They weren't abusive or neglectful. They weren't bad people. They wanted their son to have a normal face. Did that make them horrible?

Or maybe this was a punishment directed at him.

Could he have been a better son? Maybe. Perhaps if he did what they wanted and spoke to this Dr. Kay… maybe they would be here right now.

Erik snorted.

It didn't matter now. They were dead and he was alive with a deformed face. Ugly, disgusting. A freak if he wanted to be honest.

But the world didn't see that. They saw the brilliant genius of Erik Trussler, a real music prodigy. Since a young boy he was making thousands and now as an adult… he was making millions. He wouldn't be surprised if his net worth did reach the billions. He was that good and everyone loved him.

No…

They loved his music. They loved the idea of Erik Trussler. They didn't know who he really was; they didn't know what was behind the mask…

If the world knew… really knew, it would be over. He would lose everything.

The world could not accept a monster as a celebrity. The world could not accept a monster as a man.

Who would go see his operas, his music if they knew who wrote such beautiful compositions?

No…

The world would reject him. The world would never know him.

Unless…

Placing his hands unevenly on the ledge, Erik looked over at the street below. People were walking on the sidewalks, crossing the street trying to beat the traffic light, cars were driving past in a hurry to get home, work, or wherever. This was the world. He could join the world as himself and see if he would be accepted after all. One had to be upbeat about things like this, right?

Making up his mind, Erik lifted his leg and placed his foot on the cold cement. Hoisting himself up was another story. He couldn't get the right balance and he almost fell over.

No, no.

He had to greet the world with grace. He couldn't greet the world if he fell like a jumbled mess.

Eventually, he found his balance as he stared down. The wind licked at his heels, making him wobble, but he kept a firm stance. All he had to do was take one step. Just one step to greet the world and see if they will welcome him with open arms.

"Oh God!"

Erik turned and collapsed on the roof, weeping.

Sometime later, Nadir did find him. Erik had enough sense to put his mask on beforehand and sat in the same position as he stared off into space. He might have passed out at one point, but he couldn't remember. All he knew he was that he was alive and he was still an ugly freak.

Nadir never knew how close Erik was to meeting Death that night. He never spoke about it, choosing to forget that moment of weakness.

No one would ever know.

xXx

Several years later, Erik found himself back in that same moment of time. This time he was facing a life of loneliness with no hope of love ever to be known.

He briefly recalled that single memory of agony where he vowed he would forget. If he had known what would have happened… he would have taken that one step.

Now, his opportunity was here again.

He couldn't waste it this time. He had to do this.

Gripping the rail of the balcony, Erik began to climb over.

"No! Wait!"

He saw the woman running, no charging at him, with her long brown hair floating behind her and her blue eyes full of alarm.

At the time, he didn't recognize her, but his soul did. How could it not know the lovely Christine Daaé?

xXx

"Wow. I never expected I would see you again. I owe that Mr. Khan an apology."

"Hello to you too Annie." Erik went up to her and hugged her, shocking her into silence. "What was that? I couldn't hear you."

"Fuck off," she muttered into his shoulder.

He smirked as he let her go and she stared at him suspiciously. "That was very unlike you."

"I know." Sitting down, he motioned for her to do the same. "Well, let's do this. I'm ready to spill my guts. Metaphorically, of course."

"Of course," she replied, still eyeing him skeptically. "While I'm glad you finally stop your hissy fit and came back… I don't understand this."

"Perspective Annie," Erik told her. "I have done some soul-searching, and yes, I know how cliché it sounds and ridiculous for someone like me. But nevertheless, I had to face the truth. You were right. You were absolutely right that day and I couldn't accept it. I didn't want to. Because the truth is… I created this version of myself. I created the monster, believed in it, and if someone went against this version… I couldn't accept that a monster could have everything. How many times have we seen the villain get the happy ending? How many times has a beauty really fallen in love with a beast? Hell, Disney made the Beast turn into a handsome, normal prince. But with reality… we don't see it and I didn't know how to react.

"Even with Nadir, my best friend. He was saying I was still the same person and he didn't care, but how could I really believe him when I had no idea what that even means? I never had that as a child. My parents, God blessed them, loved me unconditionally. Despite the masks and surgeries, they did love me and wanted me to be happy. They had the wrong idea what happiness really meant, and I can't blame them. There is no book, no guide, nothing to show you how to raise a kid born with a deformity. They only knew what they knew from their own lives and from the rest of the world that happiness must be with a normal face.

"And, yes, I thought that too. But then the dream of having that normal face became unattainable. Nothing could fix me. Every attempt ended up disastrous. It was like I was doomed to have this for the rest of my life. To be this monster. So I told myself, convinced myself that the real me could never be normal. I could not accept myself because I was angry that my Christmas wish, my birthday wish, and all my general wishes never came true."

Antoinette found herself clearing her throat before she could speak. "Erik… I…"

"You have helped me Annie. I'm sorry I was a rat bastard about it, but this has been rooted in me for so long that I never had anyone tell it to me in my face. You made me confront those truths and I lashed out."

"—And ignored me."

"Yes," he said sheepishly. "I ignored you. It wasn't my best moments, but hey… I'm only human, right?"

Annie smiled. "Yes Erik. You are."

"I've decided it was time for me to stop running. I thought about this long and hard, and I know I will have my struggles. That won't ever change. I'm still a complicated man with serious issues and I highly doubt I will ever come to terms with everything in my life, but… I thought this could be a step in the right direction."

He paused as he gave her a slow grin. "And to get you to shut up about it."

Before she could respond, Erik was already lifting his mask off. He placed it on his lap and looked her in the eye, awaiting her long-awaited reaction.

Annie stared back, unblinking and unmovable. Then… slowly, a small chink in her armor began to fall and her lips were splitting into a big, wide grin.

"Huh. So that's the big fuss."

He couldn't help it. He burst out laughing. That was so her. That was so good ol' Annie. And how he could expect anything different?

Even she had to laugh too. "I must say Erik. You are full of surprises today. I don't know what else to tell you; besides, I'm proud of you."

"I guess I have to say I'm proud of myself too."

"Good." She nodded approvingly. "That is a step in the right direction."

"So… now what?" he asked. "Are we done?"

Now, she barked out another laugh. "Oh no. We're far done from being over."

"But you said—" he started.

She flicked her hand. "I know what I said. You took a great stride today Erik. You faced your fears and as you can see… I didn't reject you. But this isn't over. Not by a long shot."

He shook his head. "Damn. Can't blame me for trying."

"Yes, I know," she said, pursing her lips. "Admit it. Your life would be boring if I wasn't still in it."

"You know what, Annie? You're right."

xxXXxx

It was a good thing he had done what he did when he saw Annie. Erik didn't know what would have happened if he didn't grow a pair, but he was feeling quite at peace with his decisions. He knew there was an ultimate reason after all.

Then… he saw things he hadn't seen before. He saw his opera becoming another hit and all the money from the proceeds building more music programs and starting up scholarships. He saw many young boys and girls receiving the opportunity to learn and nurse their talents as they grew up to be successful. Christine would be so proud.

Then… he saw Nadir. He was sad, really sad but eventually his friend fell in love. Erik watched as they got married and had kids. He never realized Nadir could be a family man until that moment, and he was happy for him. He was happy that Nadir could worry about someone else for a change.

Then… he saw Meg's trial. He watched as the foreman stood and read off the list of charges and the verdict for each one: guilty. Guilty on the charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and felonious assault. He watched as the judge sentenced her with life in prison without the chances of parole. He saw Raoul and Lily there in the courtroom, and judging by the look on de Chagny's face, he was devastated to lose another friend but he was relieved that justice had been served. He wanted Christine's killer captured and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and Meg certainly was.

Before the scene faded, Erik did catch what appeared to be a ring on Lily's finger. Yes… de Chagny had to have popped the question. He wished the best for the two. He knew Christine would have liked that he wished them well.

Once he saw everything he had to see, Erik smiled.

Turning over to his side, his lips curved into a smile as he spotted Christine sitting in the chair at his bedside in the hospital.

She was smiling back.

"You idiot. You promised me," she said, almost accusingly but there was teasing in her tone. "You never listen, do you?"

"Since when do I always do what I'm told?" he teased right back, sitting up and placing his foot on the ground.

She shook her head and stood up too. "Well, I should have known better I guess."

"Indeed."

"I love you Erik."

His shit grin grew wider. "I had a hunch."

She rolled her eyes. "Uh-huh sure."

"I love you too."

"I know."

"So where to?" he asked.

"Let's find out, shall we?"

He took her offered hand, feeling the warmth surrounding him… bathing him in such love. It was then he realized she was no longer translucent like before. She looked as solid as can be with soft, pink cheeks and blue eyes as bright as sapphires. Even her long curls were real to the touch as a silky strand was caressed by his finger.

It was then he realized he, too, looked pretty much the same. His other hand rose to touch his cheek and was relieved to feel the familiar rough and uneven flesh.

"C'mon. We can't be late," Christine said.

"Heaven forbid," he joked.

They looked ahead and saw their path before them. As they were about to take final step towards eternity, Christine paused and arched her brow in his direction.

"Before we do this… would you mind telling me the ending of the opera?"

"You hadn't figured it out?" he asked innocently. "They lived happily ever after. After the artist was unfortunately murdered."

Christine laughed. "An opera with a happy ending… Well, semi-happy. If I didn't know better, I think you had this all planned out."

"A true artist never reveals his secret," he teased.

Then, they stepped forward.

xxXXxx

The Very Distant Future

"Excuse me! Miss!"

Running breathlessly, a man stopped the young woman from leaving the theater with her phone in his hand. "You, uh, dropped this."

He couldn't tear his eyes away from her. She was one of the most beautiful creatures he had ever seen. With her blue eyes and curly brown hair, she reminded him of an angel in his dreams. Of course, he dreamt of her often since she was a frequent visitor of the Trussler Opera House. And every time the theater showed The Haunted Artist, she was there almost every night.

In fact, that was when he first noticed her. He wondered if it was her favorite opera since she had seen it so many times, and after several years, he finally worked up the nerve to talk to her. Or he should say… seeing her phone drop was his opportunity to talk to her.

She smiled sweetly at him, her hand reaching to take the phone as their fingers brushed. "Thank you…?"

"Um, Erik. Erik Khan," he replied nervously. God! Her voice was so soft and enchanting! And to make matters worse, he was sweating behind his mask.

"You're the owner's son, aren't you?" she asked.

"Actually, I'm the new owner now. My father retired."

"Ah. I must commend you on a great opening night. You picked the best opera to perform."

"Thank you. I, uh, take it you're a fan of Erik Trussler's?"

"Yes. I love his music. But The Haunted Artist… there's something about it that I can't get enough of. And that ending… it's my favorite part when the lovers reunite. I feel bad that the Artist was murdered in the end but at least he could be with Rosalie. It's not very often you see that kind of happy ending in an opera."

"I know. It's my favorite opera too."

The two smiled at each other and the woman held out her hand. "I'm Christine by the way."

"Christine," Erik repeated, his grin growing wider. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

The End